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Feel Prepared: What to Expect During Your Consultation for Breast Augmentation

Wednesday, January 17th, 2018

When you arrive for your breast augmentation consultation at our Champaign, Illinois, office, you will be greeted by our patient coordinator. She will ask you to fill out very short registration form. A member of our clinical team will escort you back our breast consultation room and will ask some questions regarding your health history. We will ask you for a list of current prescribed medications, allergies, past surgeries and dates.

You will then meet with Dr. Castillo to discuss your goals and desires for breast augmentation. Dr. Castillo and a member of clinical/surgical team will complete a quick physical exam, including some chest measurements. Once he knows your measurements and desires, he will be able to suggest an appropriate breast implant size for your body proportions. Then the fun part begins! We will give you a few sets of implants to try on to help you visualize your new body proportions. This will allow you to determine your choice of implant size with ease!

Once you find a size that you like, Dr. Castillo will talk in detail about what you can expect before, during, and after your breast augmentation surgery. Personally, I think thoroughness is one of Dr. Castillo’s best attributes. New patients (and long-standing ones too) continually comment on how much they appreciate both his willingness to be thorough during his explanation and that he is clear about realistic expectations and body proportions. Our goal is for you to gain the knowledge you need to make an educated decision that is BEST FOR YOU.

Speaking of decisions… I just want to be clear—you do not need to make a decision at your consultation appointment! No pressure! Think of this as a fact-finding mission. You can go home and think about the information your gathered during your consultation. Is breast augmentation right for you? Think about your experience with Dr. Castillo, our facility, and our staff. Are we the right team for you? Of course that being said, many of our patients do choose to schedule their surgeries while they’re here for their consultations. So, if that is what you prefer, we are able to get everything set up for you before your leave our office.

One of the more important things about having surgery in a private surgical facility rather than a hospital is that you will already know the staff prior to your surgery. The staff members that you meet during your consultation and pre-op visits will be with you on the day of your surgery, in your recovery room with you, checking in with you by phone after surgery, and at each of your post-operative visits.

I recommend checking out a few of my other blog posts on breast augmentation:

To meet with Dr. Castillo and learn more about breast augmentation, request a consultation or call our office in Champaign.

Best Regards!

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Be Proactive! Here are Helpful Tips for Breast Augmentation Recovery

Monday, September 5th, 2016

Aside from the obvious “perks,” one of the reasons breast augmentation is so popular with our Champaign-area patients is that it offers a pretty quick recovery. Many of our patients also appreciate that they can combine the surgery with other Mommy Makeover procedures so they have only one recovery period. Whether you choose a breast augmentation or a full-scale Mommy Makeover, our goal at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery is to help you recover quickly so you can get back to your busy life as soon as possible.

In this blog post, I’ll offer some helpful tips for your recovery process.

Bras: To Wear or Not to Wear? That Is the Question!

On the day of your surgery you will return home in a comfy sports bra or wireless bra, pexels-photo-136409compliments of Dr. G.D. Castillo. Unless otherwise instructed, you will wear this bra continuously for the first three days after surgery. Then you can go without a bra or use a wireless or sports bra of your choice until Dr. Castillo gives you the green light to begin wearing underwire bras (which, by the way, you will no longer need!! Whoo hoo!).

NOTE: Because your body has to “make room” for the implants, the implants often sit higher than you expect for a few weeks until they are able settle properly in the pockets. You can help this along by going without a bra. That’s right! You just got a free pass to go without a bra! You can even claim “doctor’s orders!” Oh the perks!

Move It, Move It!

pexels-photoIf you are a movie buff, you may remember the scene from Madagascar where the animals are all dancing and moving their arms to the song I Like To Move It. Well, that type of movement is a little too vigorous for your first few days after surgery, but we don’t want you to baby those muscles. You can really speed up your recovery and eliminate soreness much more quickly by gently moving your arms around to keep those chest muscles from getting tighter. Just remember not to raise your hands above your head for the first week.

 

What to Wear, What to Wear?

Buttons and zippers are your new BFFs, at least for the first week. I recommend arriving to surgery in a loose button-up or zip-up top. It doesn’t feel good to try to pull a tight top over your head after surgery. You should avoid wearing pullover tops for about the first week. By the time you are released to raise your arms above the level of your head (6 days), you shouldn’t have any more wardrobe issues, except that your old tops may fit a bit tighter these days.

Massage

Six days after your surgery, you will return to our office for your first post-op visit. You will receive instructions on how to massage your breasts to improve recovery. Your breasts are going to be a little tender at first, but don’t give up. Massage is the key to maintaining free-moving, perky, and natural-looking breasts.

Exercise

If you exercise conscious, I realize this topic is an important one. Who wants to loose ground at the gym when they have this great new shape to show off? Exercise can also really boost your physical and mental state. We want to get you back to the gym as soon as your body is ready, but your pectoral muscles need a little healing time first.

You can expect to ease back into your workouts with a schedule that looks something like this:

  • Week 1: You will be asked to restrict exercise to light activity such as walking and moving your arms as described above.
  • Week 2: You are typically released to go back to the gym and engage in most activities at 50% of your normal level. You should refrain from running and jogging, and you should avoid pectoral exercises and any weight lifting that involves the pectoral muscles.
  • Week 3: Typically all restrictions will be lifted three weeks after surgery. That being said, it may not feel great when you first start running or jogging again. I suggest doubling up and wearing two sports bras for the first several weeks. This doubling-up method gives you the extra support you need, and it prevents excessive breast movement.

Once you’re fully recovered, it’s time for a little fun! I hope you enjoy all the perks of your new shape!

If you want to see our breast augmentation patients’ results, browse through our before-and-after photos. You can learn more about breast augmentation in the Champaign area by contacting us online or calling our office in Savoy at (217) 359-7508.

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

 

 

 

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Ask Our Expert: How Soon After Breast Augmentation Can I Celebrate And Go Bra Shopping?

Thursday, April 21st, 2016

Ask Our Expert:

When can I go bra shopping after having a breast augmentation?

This is a great question. Bra shopping is one of the first things our breast augmentation patients in the Champaign area want to do after breast surgery! Honestly, I’ve even had patients who want to head to the mall straight from the recovery room! (Just to be clear, this is definitely not recommended!)

As I am often referred to as a “professional shopper,” I can absolutely relate to how anxious you are to rush out and load up on the cutest, sexiest, prettiest bras you can find. Who could blame you for wanting to showcase your beautiful new breasts? But here is the thing: you really need to wait for 6-8 weeks to break the bra bank.CPS Blog Photo 4578

Your final breast augmentation recovery will take time, and that’s especially true if you’ve also had a breast lift. Your breasts are going to go through a few stages and changes before they settle into their final shape and position. These changes affect how your bras fit and, ultimately, how you feel in them.

While most of your swelling will be gone within the first 10-14 days after your breast surgery, you will have a bit of residual swelling that needs to resolve over time. At first, your breast implants may also sit a little higher than you expected. This is because the chest muscles need to make room for the implant. Once there is more room in the pocket, your implants will assume their intended position, and then look out Victoria’s SecretCPS Blog Photo 5075, there’s a girl on a mission!

So, What’s a Girl to Do in the Meantime?

You will wake up from surgery already wearing a comfortable sports bra, compliments of Dr. Castillo and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center. Within 3-7 days, you will be able to go braless or wear a sports bra or wireless bra. My best advice is to harness your willpower and buy just one or two sports or wireless bras until Dr. Castillo lets you know the time to go shopping has finally come!  Then grab a girlfriend and make a day of it. You deserve it after exercising all that restraint!

If you haven’t yet had a breast augmentation, you can view some of our patients’ before-and-after photos to see the type of results you can expect.

To learn more about the breast augmentation process or to schedule a consultation, contact us online or call our office at (217) 359-7508 (Savoy).

Happy shopping!

Yours Truly,

Roxanne Grace Hammond
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D

FACEBOOK.     INSTAGRAM

217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

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Helpful Explanation on Why You Want to Massage After Breast Augmentation

Thursday, October 15th, 2015

My thoughts on the value of massaging breast implants.

There is a controversy following breast surgery as to should breast implants be massaged or not, and in order to answer this question we need to go into just what happens during a breast augmentation.

CPS Blog Photo 5042 A breast augmentation typically done below the pectoral muscle (submuscular) is one in which a pocket is developed beneath the breast, above the thorax (chest cage), and in between the midline (the sternum), and the lateral border of the pectoral muscle just before the armpit (axilla).  This pocket needs to be large enough to accept and contain a breast implant.  We need to remember that a breast implant is typically an envelope filled with saline solution or an envelope filled with silicone gel.

In my Champaign cosmetic surgery practices, typically we use saline prostheses; however, these thoughts are applicable to both silicone and saline prostheses.  Neither saline solution or silicone gel can get hard; however, certain implants (breasts) become firm or hard.  So, how does this happen?  In order for an implant to feel firm or hard your body needs to make a capsule, that is, a cover over the implant that is tight.  This can happen even if it is not very thick.  We actually can make a good example by putting a piece of Kleenex on top of an implant and putting some pressure with that Kleenex over the implant, this will make the implant feel pretty hard.  So, it is not difficult to make an implant feel firm or hard if even a thin capsule becomes snug or tight over an implant.

Massaging will prevent this capsule over the implant from becoming “tight” over the implant.  This is done by moving the prosthesis up, down, towards the sternum and towards the axilla.  When one does this, there is more room inside of the pocket for the implant to fit in.  This keeps the implant feeling soft.  This is important not only because implant will feel soft but it is also important in the sense that an implant which moves freely inside of the pocket is one that allows the breast to move normally and behave as a natural breast.  A natural breast moves with normal chest movements so we could even say that there is a certain wiggle of the breast when one moves.  This is desirable and relates to the normality of a breast as compared to a breast that is fixed to the chest wall and it looks fake or unnatural which is typically the case when a prosthesis feels firm.

While we don’t know why some implants become firm in some people and do not in others, we do know that through massage, we can create a wide pocket for the implant to  “live” in.  This allows the implant to feel softer than it would if the pocket was tighter.  It is this simple reasoning that is the answer as to why it is not only desirable but also necessary to massage an implant after breast augmentation surgery.  There really are no drawbacks to massaging an implant.

We also need to remember that in order for an implant to be able to be massaged, it needs to be a prosthesis that is smooth.  Textured prostheses do not lend themselves to movement and so they should not be massaged.  By in large most Breast enhancement surgeries today in the United States are carried out with smooth prostheses, so the argument that all prostheses should be massaged is a good one.

G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Breast Asymmetry

Friday, June 10th, 2011

Not All Breasts Are Created Equal

Breast asymmetry is quite common, though the degree and patient perception of it varies.  Often patients are not aware of their asymmetry, they just recognize that they are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts.  Frequently women have one breast that is larger than the other breast or nipple that is positioned lower than the other.  Patient’s often share their stories of frustrations when searching for clothing that will fit properly without accentuating the asymmetry and the continual distress it causes them.

If breast asymmetry is so common, why does it bother us females so much if our breasts are not perfectly symmetrical?  Maybe as women, we just haven’t had as many opportunities to compare our breasts to the breasts of the average women unlike say… women living in other countries, like maybe…France, where breasts seem to be on display. Maybe it’s because we torture ourselves by thinking our partner is comparing our breasts imperfections to the perfectly perky, perfectly shaped, perfectly sized, perfectly air brushed breasts in magazines.  Maybe it is because we remember what our breasts looked like before children. Maybe it’s because we just want to be the best self we can be. The list could go on indefinitely I’m sure. Unfortunately, there isn’t much comfort to be found in the idea that there are lots of women facing the same imperfections.

Fortunately, Dr. Castillo has decades of experience in dealing with and developing solutions for this very problem.  For those of you who have not had the pleasure on meeting G.D. Castillo, M.D., “as a surgeon (and an individual) he is a breath of fresh air” as quoted by one of our patients.  I must agree!  He is a truly gifted surgeon with a compassionate, understanding, engaging bedside manner. Dr. Castillo’s goal is your goal: to create beautiful breasts that look and feel exactly as you envisioned them.

At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic, we offer options to address each type of asymmetry concern:

1.     Breast augmentation – This procedure may involve inserting a breast implant in one or both breasts, depending on the individual patient’s needs.

2.     Liposuction – Many times liposuction of the larger breast can be used to simply equal out the volume / size of your breasts without breast implants.

3.     Breast Reduction – This cosmetic surgery procedure can be used to reduce the size of one or both breasts to create breast symmetry.

4.     Breast Lift (Mastopexy) – This breast surgery is used improve breast ptosis (sagging) in one or both breasts, reshaping the breasts to create beautiful symmetrical breasts.

5.     Nipple Reduction or Nipple Augmentation – This cosmetic procedure can be used to increase, decrease or equalize the size and shape of the nipple and give balance to the breasts.

6.     A combination of one or more of the above breast surgeries is sometimes needed to correct the asymmetry in its entirety.

If you be are interested in more information  on  Breast Asymmetry solutions, call  Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic’s, Savoy, Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) location at 217-359-7508 or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Castillo and have all of your questions answered and your concerns relieved.

Roxanne Hammond

Skin Care & Laser Specialist for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

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Posted in Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Enlargement, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, Male Breast Reduction | 61 Comments »

ASK OUR EXPERT:How do I choose the implant size that is right for me?

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Q:  I am considering breast augmentation. How do I know which size implant I should chose?

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A:  Making the decision about breast size is a very personal decision. If you have not already had a consultation with a reputable cosmetic plastic surgeon, I recommend that you talk with one. Your surgeon and his staff should be able to answer many of your questions about implants and sizes. They should be able to talk with you more about how to select the right sizing with your particular body shape while keeping your goals in mind. Here are 3 options that can help you make a visual decision about sizing.
OPTION #1:
The majority of surgeons use “the baggie of rice method,” although Dr. Castillo offers a much more realistic option for his patients in the Savoy (Champaign – Urbana) office. To utilize the at home baggie of rice method, you can put rice, oatmeal, or birdseed in a sandwich baggie. Do not use a zip lock baggie as they are too firm. (1 ? cups = 10 ounces or 1 ? cups = 12 ounces…) Most breast augmentations utilize between 9 – 14 ounces for each breast (270cc – 420cc per breast). You should probably start with 10 ounces then adjust as you prefer. Select a bra for the size you want to be. Put the filled baggies inside the unpadded bra. Once you find the size baggie you are comfortable with, you may want to wear it for a few hours, with different shirts, do some normal daily activities…this will help you decide if the size is truly comfortable.
OPTION #2:
In our Savoy office, Dr. Castillo provides the option of trying on professional sizer implants in the office. This option by far offers the most natural, realistic visual comparison.  We have a variety of sizes so that our patients can get a good idea of what their results will look like.
At the time of the consultation, we give the patient an unpadded bra. The patient can also bring one if she knows about what size she would like to be. I suggest that our patients bring 2 different style tops; one form-fitting, one loose fitting. This gives our patients a great feel for how each size can change their body appearance. Of course our specially training staff is available to personally assist each patient and answer any questions they may have. Our patients love this option.  I think they feel much more confident in their decision.
OPTION #3: NEW
Allergan, the makers of Natrelle Breast Implants, Botox, Juvederm and Latisse, just started offering an exclusive kit for women who are considering breast implants. You can order this kit for $45.00 on-line by going to Natrelle.com. The kit includes four sample implants (275cc, 325 cc, 375 cc, & a 425 cc), a bra and an educational DVD and booklet, plus a total of $170.00 in rebates! The rebates include:

A:  Making the decision about breast size is a very personal decision. If you have not already had a consultation with a reputable cosmetic plastic surgeon, I recommend that you talk with one. Your surgeon and his staff should be able to answer many of your questions about implants and sizes. They should be able to talk with you more about how to select the right sizing with your particular body shape while keeping your goals in mind. Here are 3 options that can help you make a visual decision about sizing.

OPTION #1:
The majority of surgeons use “the baggie of rice method,” although Dr. Castillo offers a much more realistic option for his patients in the Savoy (Champaign – Urbana) office. To utilize the at home baggie of rice method, you can put rice, oatmeal, or birdseed in a sandwich baggie. Do not use a zip lock baggie as they are too firm. (1 1/4 cups = 10 ounces or 1 1/2 cups = 12 ounces…) Most breast augmentations utilize between 9 – 14 ounces for each breast (270cc – 420cc per breast). You should probably start with 10 ounces then adjust as you prefer. Select a bra for the size you want to be. Put the filled baggies inside the unpadded bra. Once you find the size baggie you are comfortable with, you may want to wear it for a few hours, with different shirts, do some normal daily activities…this will help you decide if the size is truly comfortable.

OPTION #2:
In our Savoy office, Dr. Castillo provides the option of trying on professional sizer implants in the office. This option by far offers the most natural, realistic visual comparison.  We have a variety of sizes so that our patients can get a good idea of what their results will look like.

At the time of the consultation, we give the patient an unpadded bra. The patient can also bring one if she knows about what size she would like to be. I suggest that our patients bring 2 different style tops; one form-fitting, one loose fitting. This gives our patients a great feel for how each size can change their body appearance. Of course our specially training staff is available to personally assist each patient and answer any questions they may have. Our patients love this option.  I think they feel much more confident in their decision.

OPTION #3: NEW
Allergan, the makers of Natrelle Breast Implants, Botox, Juvederm and Latisse, just started offering an exclusive kit for women who are considering breast implants. You can order this kit for $45.00 on-line by going to Natrelle.com. The kit includes four sample implants (275cc, 325 cc, 375 cc, & a 425 cc), a bra and an educational DVD and booklet, plus a total of $170.00 in rebates! The rebates include:

  • $50.00 off your breast implants
  • $50.00 off your next Botox injection
  • $50.00 off your next Juvederm dermal filler
  • $20.00 off Latisse (for longer, thicker lashes)

I have viewed the DVD. I think it would be helpful for anyone who is considering breast implants. The DVD introduces you to a patient who has Natrelle breast implants as she shares her experience with her daughter who is now considering breast enhancement. You will view some before and after photos of breast augmentation. More importantly, the DVD takes you through a consultation so you know what to expect. I think this kit will be helpful in preparing you to ask the right questions when you are talking with your surgeon.

I would recommend using your own unpadded bra with the sample implants. The sample implants from this kit allow you to try them on with different pieces of clothing in the privacy of your own home. This will help you get a good idea of what size implants you will be comfortable with. In my opinion, they do not give near the realistic visual as the professional implants that we have in the office. The implant samples from the kit do not provide as smooth or realistic shape as our profession implant provide.  Therefore, even if you purchase the kit, I would still recommend taking advantage of the profession sizer fitting at our office.

If you are interested in getting further information on breast augmentation (breast enhancement) options, call our office to schedule a consultation with G.D. Castillo, M.D. at 217-359-7507 for the Savoy location (Champaign-Urbana area).

https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com/cosmetic-surgery/breast-enlargement.cfm

https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com/photo-gallery/results.cfm?Category=10

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This question was answered by Roxanne, Medical Skincare and Laser Specialist at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Skin Restoration and Laserknow which Institute. Please contact us for additional information at  217-359-7508 or 309-662-0436

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